Fighting Hunger in Minnesota
RevHunger’s very own Alexcia Jellum is now blogging on the Star-Tribune website! Click on the link above to read the post, here’s a little preview:
When I first looked at the issue of hunger I saw the shocking statistics and the huge number of people affected. I didn’t know how my voice could have an effect. But it can and yours can too! I’ve started to look at hunger differently. People all around us, even in Minnesota, struggle with hunger.
Record Number of Minnesotans Seek Food Help
I recently read about the landscape of the hunger scene in Minnesota. In 2011 we reached a record number of Minnesotans needing assistance, to feed themselves and their families. In fact, more than the population of Duluth and Minneapolis combined are on food stamps. Though this fact is unsettling, the amount of people who began using food shelves this is year was dramatically lower than in previous years. Down to 9.8 percent from 21.8%. These numbers show a step in the right direction, but also show a continuation of the recent rend.
Many families in Minnesota are having a hard time regaining economic standing since the recession. This problem is the source for many families struggle against hunger. I believe that the many problems such as; the unemployment issue, need to be addressed before these numbers can begin to decline. Even as I look around at my peers I see it has become increasingly common to have an unemployed parent, or a need for some form of government assistance.
In the articles I checked out, many volunteers and food service coordinators were worried that the Status quo, being the increased need for food help, may become the norm. But I know that we all can do something to change this situation! At Revolution Hunger, we are striving to find a way to integrate the hunger fight into the daily lives of everyone. We want to inspire a lasting change, one that each of us can contribute to in our own unique way!
Alexcia Jellum is the Twin Cities New Media Producer for the Revolution Hunger Campaign. Alexcia is a senior at Central High School. She wants to Major in communications and minor in film, an is a firm believer that creativity can have a profound impact.
Intrigued, Inspired and Involved
By Alexcia Jellum
The world’s population is constantly being bombarded with all types of adversity. Nourishment is a fundamental need of humanity, and something that we are all familiar with. Hunger affects the entire world, from tiny, tucked away towns to large cities. There are countless organizations and individuals that have made hunger their personal mission. The issue of hunger is one with many layers and intricacies. Our movement, Revolution Hunger, is giving teens the chance to further diversify the hunger fighting front.
What first struck me about Revolution Hunger’s message was that it recognized that everyone could make a difference. We each have specific talents and passions that we can use to fight hunger. Why not infuse what you’re passionate about with a message? I believe that if you can give the teen population unique ways to get involved they will take that opportunity an run with it. I am excited to get teens Intrigued, Inspired and Involved.
I think of the hunger relief programs in the Twin Cities as a web of food shelves, dedicated individuals, and volunteers. These powerful forces help thousands in my area. The world is plagued with pockets of extreme hunger and each one of us do something to help. I know many creative teens that are eager to find a productive channel for their work. My goal is to get teens in a position to use their talents to fight for this cause. Join me at Revolution Hunger!
